"One of the chief charms of Rockford is to be found in its pleasant gardens, fruitful orchards and the wealth of shrubbery which adorns the gardens of its residents. Scarcely a home can be found, however limited the extent of ground belonging to it, that cannot exhibit its thrifty fruit trees, luxuriant strawberry patches, gay flower beds and tasty groups of shrubbery: until it has been suggested that Rockford may with propriety be christened and known hereafter as the “Floral City.”
Rockford City Directory and County Gazetteer 1869
Heritage Garden Program
The region of northern Illinois has a long tradition of attractive landscapes and lush gardens. In an effort to preserve this heritage, Midway Village Museum has recreated historic gardens in the village using 19th century garden designs, structures, ornamentation and heirloom plants. Seven heirloom gardens reflect various aspects of turn- of- the -century living and provide the visitor with a unique glimpse of plant varieties seldom seen today. Interpreters in authentic period clothing also use these plants for historic cooking demonstrations, craft projects and decorating. It is our hope that, in addition to the buildings and artifacts of the village, the gardens will help transport you to a time when flowers had a language of their own and neighbors lingered on front porches enjoying the fragrance of sweet peas and honeysuckle.
In addition to the cultivated garden areas, Midway Village Museum is actively engaged in prairie restoration. When the first settlers arrived in Northern Illinois, 22 million acres of prairie dominated the landscape and gave Illinois its nickname, the Prairie State. Today only a fraction of the original prairie survives. An ongoing program aimed at restoring this unique biological community began in 2005. The creation of a native wetland earned the Superior Achievement Award from the Illinois Association of Museums in 2006.
The mission of the Heritage Garden Program at Midway Village Museum is committed to the continuing research and development of gardens that will more accurately reflect the cultural landscape of our historic period, allow for interactive opportunities for the visitor and enhance the grounds of the museum. Because garden history is a significant part of our social history, plans are underway for additional gardens and compatible educational programs.
A new Midway Village Museum Heritage Gardens Day special event and plant sale will be held Saturday, July 31, 2010 from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. See our events page for more information.
Seasonal garden tours are available for groups with advanced registration.
Cost is $6 for adults.
Our gardens would not exist without the help of dedicated volunteers. For those interested in helping with the gardens, please contact the museum volunteer coordinator.
For more information, contact:
Tari Rowland, Garden Historian
815-397-9112 ext. 116
Tari.Rowland@midwayvillage.com
The following lecture programs are offered to community organizations:
• The 19th Century Landscape
• Colonial Gardens
• The Heritage Garden Program at Midway Village Museum
